Straighten bent lugs

[Vintagerc10]

I bought this case on ebay, the seller said it was in very nice condition. It wasn't. Someone mangled the inside channel where the movement screws fit, and you could not install the movement (see first picture). Fortunately, I have fixed this sufficiently.

Problem now, is one of the lugs is bent, probably from a drop at some point, and I am forced to use a leather band. Picture two shows the completed watch. The lower left lug is bent in by at least 1mm but you can not see this in the photo very well.

Is there anyone with experience that can offer advice on the best way to straighten lugs on a rolex case? I have my pliers ready, but.... Lol.

Thank you!

[Nanuq]

Is it the bottom right lug in that pic?

 

I don't know if I would try to straighten it.  Close one eye and eyeball it long and hard..... how would it look if you just machined out the opening so it's parallel all the way to the lug tips again?  You'd lose a little thickness on that side, but would it be noticeable?

 

We just happen to have a few VERY good machinists here on RWG too. 

[freddy333]

Nanuq has it right, but I would have no problem just using a file (followed by sanding/dremeling to smooth the finish) to carefully widen/straighten the inside face of the bent lug so an end link would fit.

[mymanmatt]

Wow. In all my years I have never seen a bent lug. I have even seen them after they were droped into a garbage disposal. ( yes it was on ) and the lugs were gouged, but not bent. Good luck with repair. You might want to trim the bracelet end piece instead of the lug

[automatico]

The easiest fix is to trim the bracelet hood to fit the narrow end after a little careful filing to straighten the inside of the bent lug.

 

Rolex watches may be Heroes but they are not very tough. They are more Higgins than Magnum.

 

I have spread a lug or two.